Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
